Aisling D. Bradley
English 10H
Mrs. Bosch
August 2008
What shapes my life?
People are influenced everyday in their lives by the simplest things. Some people see them as insignificant, but I see each as a chance to learn and grow as a person. These influences help people to shape their lives and become who they are today. The things that have had the biggest impact and shaped me so far, and continue to shape me today are living in a small town, my family’s history, and my memories.
Living in a small town influenced me in more ways than one. I think one of the main things is how any where you go in town, you run into someone you know. These everyday occurrences create a friendly environment that teaches people how, like me, to be friendlier, more positive people. Growing up in a small town also made strive to achieve my goals no matter how far away they seemed. For instance I work my hardest to get into college so I can be a part of something bigger later in life. Being in a small town and growing up around many colorful people has given me a chance to observe others. To learn from their mistakes or to observe the way they handle tough situations, and to watch them grow as people to.
The biggest thing that has shaped my life is my family’s history. I have grown up hearing stories about relative’s achievements. I can’t help but try and live up to try and be as good a person as they all are. When I learn about the hardships they have had to face to make their life and my life good, it teaches me to be to endure through life obstacles with the positive thinking that it would all turn out right in the end. When I first learned that my great grandma had grown up with six brothers and sisters and barely any money to feed them all it made me both proud and humble. Proud to be related to such a strong person as her, and humble not to flaunt what I had because there are people much less fortunate than me and knowing that my family had been through that before made me realize that I have to be thankful for what I have. My family has given me an environment full of love and nurturing and I have great memories of them.
My memories are a big part of who I am. They are my past mistakes, pains, delights, and sorrows. Having them with me all the time is a constant reminder of the kind of person I try to be everyday. The mold and shape me everyday even when I don’t notice it. My mistakes are what I learn from. I try not to repeat them so that I can do better next time in the situation. From my pains I have gained the strength to endure pains to come. With the sorrow I learned that it may hurt at first but there will always be a brighter day. These memories are what keep what I have been shaped to become when I am in hard times I don’t think I can get through.
The smallest things can change who a person is, they shape and mold us to be better people. I have many things that influence me everyday. The most important of those are living in a small town, my family’s history, and my memories. They have taught me to be a god person and endure through tough times. They hold me together when I might when I want to do something I know I will regret later. This is truly what shapes my life and me. I am glad to be able to experience it.
